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High-Risk Pregnancy
Induction at 35 weeks - question and freak out
Hi all,
I haven't been around much lately (life got crazy) but I have a lot on my mind and need a sounding board who might understand.
Background: I have had two previous pregnancies.
DD: Partial placental abruption at 36.5 weeks, delivery at 37 weeks (no induction - she just came).
DS: Complete placental abruption at 36.5 weeks - he passed away as a result of the abruption. I had a PE after delivery.
I am pregnant again - coming up on 32 weeks. From the beginning, the 'plan' has been to start weighing the pros/cons of delivering at 34 weeks, with delivery likely between 34 and 36 weeks. I was comfortable with that.
Now, the doctors are starting to sing a different tune, saying that baby looks fine, growing well, healthy pregnancy, and no need to deliver early.
I am COMPLETELY freaking out. I don't necessarily want a baby born at 34 weeks. But the closer I get to 36.5 weeks, the more terrified I am. My loss wasn't some random occurrence. We know what caused it, and the doctors know that they can't 100% prevent it from happening it again. So when they tell me that they aren't going to take the baby early, all I hear is "we're leaving it up to chance". How am I supposed to just sit by and watch the weeks tick by? The closer I get to 36 weeks, the more I feel like a ticking time bomb.
My son was 5 pounds 12 ounces at 36.5 weeks. He would have been an average-large size baby if he had made it to 40 weeks. So the growth scans that they are doing to reassure me that the 'placenta is doing its job' don't really mean a whole lot to me.
To top it all off, my DH had a recurrence of his brain cancer. He had surgery last week, and will be starting radiation and chemo in January. I am going to be SO stressed out, and SO worried about what that is doing to baby. My MFM tried to tell me that "stress doesn't cross the placenta". But last time I checked, stress can cause high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can cause abruption.
So. Am I crazy to fight for delivery by 36 weeks? On the surface, ASKING to deliver at 36 weeks sounds absurd. But I feel like I am risking my baby's life by letting him stay inside any longer.
Sorry that this is kind of a jumble. I needed to unload a bit, and also get some feedback and reality-check from people who understand.
Loving my Little Bird (DD 3), Missing my Monkey Butt (DS) and Hoping for my Rainbow - due 2/17/13
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Induction at 35 weeks - question and freak out
My daughter was born at 35 weeks and she was fine. She was 5lb 11oz and had some minor near term preemie issues but came home after 10 days, she had no breathing trouble just had an Iv for a few days. While I don't want another preemie I think in your case the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.
Ugh, this is my second attempt to post a response. I hope it doesn't post a bunch of times...
First of all, I can't imagine what you must be going through as you face all of this. I am a neuro nurse, so I'm familiar with the treatments for brain cancer. I'm sure you've already been through some tough times with DH being ill. That is a lot for anyone to deal with, let alone the complication of pregnancy. It might be really helpful for you to have a therapist as you're making these important decisions- if you don't have one already.
I agree with PP about second opinions from another practice. Hope to hear good news from you along the way.
To answer your post, I would definitely push for an induction. While delivery at 36 weeks isn't ideal, you know your baby will do well on the outside and I don't think anyone could blame you for wanting him here.
Could you set up a game plan with your OB? Induction with steroid shots prior?
I had my DS at 36 weeks 2 days and he was 5.3. We were prepared for the induction so I had already received the steroid shots. He did great and didn't require any nicu time. We did experience some of the late term preemie issues such as jaundice and latch issues but it was definitely more safe on the outside at that point.
I don't think you're crazy. Push for it. Get a second opinion. Do what you have to do to make your concerns heard.
If they absolutely refuse, is there an alternative? Like, would they consider hospitalizing you at 34w so you could be closely monitored? I know that might suck, and depending on how fast things progressed w your previous abruptions maybe it wouldn't even help...but it might be worth asking about.